Author's Note: Another short chapter, another day in which I'm at a lack of words. XD
I hope you all enjoy this chapter! (Hopefully I come up with something to put here soon, hahaha- *sobs* ='D).
~ LIX ~
Warmth
Warmth is a cherished feeling
That everyone wants
It can come from a fire or home
A blanket or sun
But there's a special kind of warmth
That's just as pleasant
It is the warmth of those close to you
The warmth of friendship or family
...
Jack could feel warmth. And to be frank, he quite enjoyed it.
Most people thought that snow sprites would have a negative effect when exposed to warmth, but Jack didn't mind the feeling of warmth. He couldn't get too hot, for that was uncomfortable. But here as he sleepily leaned against North as he read through the blueprints of a new invention, he felt content and at home.
The past few days had been stressful with Pitch having made his return. Oddly, the Boogeyman had been awfully quiet, which felt even worse than when he last attacked. Though they tried to stay silent, Jack heard the discussions that Guardians had of Pitch trying to come after him. Jack forced himself not to think about this, but the thought still rose when he least wanted it to.
Jack didn't know what Pitch would even want to do with him. Yes, he was the last snow sprite, and he was somewhat powerful, but he never exercised his magic. Jack reserved them only for simple snowflakes and snowfalls. Only if he was threatened, he'd use a little more energy than usual. But he never pushed his boundaries.
Jack feared that if he unleashed his magic at its optimum, he'd hurt someone. Snow sprites using their magic to their full capacity were known for creating blizzards and hailstorms that could destroy fields and villages. Jack didn't want to hurt anyone, but he had already had a few incidents when he lost control of his powers. Snow sprites were still criticized to this day, and Jack didn't want to make them look any worse than they were already thought to be.
But if Pitch managed to gain a hold of him somehow…what if he made him use his magic? Jack would refuse to hurt anyone, but the Boogeyman was capable of many things. What if he took control of him and was forced to cause destruction? And he wouldn't be able to resist? He could hurt hundreds, thousands perhaps, and he wouldn't be able to stop himself…
Jack sighed, and North looked down at him. "Is something on your mind, moy mal'chik?"
Jack tugged his quilt up to his chin and shrugged. "I'm just thinking about everything that's going on." The snow sprite looked up. "Are…Are we going to be okay?"
North pulled Jack close. "We'll be alright if we exercise caution and keep each other safe," he said.
Jack nodded, and he buried himself against North's side. "Pitch doesn't know what's coming for him," he murmured.
North chuckled softly, and he ran a hand through Jack's hair. The young snow sprite closed his eyes and smiled, relishing the warmth North brought with him.
Everything was going to be okay.
